He was born Joseph Goreed in Cordele, Georgia and moved to Chicago as a child. He was raised by his mother and grandmother. He grew on the south side of Chicago, surrounded by jazz, blues, and gospel music. In the 1930s, as a teenager, he was a member of "The Jubilee Boys" and performed in Chicago churches.
He worked as a singer and bouncer in Chicago in the late 1930s and early 1940s. In 1943, he was hired by the Lionel Hampton Orchestra. He toured with Hampton for several years but never achieved breakthrough success.
He rose to national prominence as the singer for Count Basie's Orchestra in 1954. He remained with Basie for several years. "Everyday I have the Blues" is his biggest hit.
After leaving the Basie band, Williams continued to have a successful career working with his own jazz combo. He and Basie remained on good terms and he would regularly appear with the band.
Bill Cosby cast Williams as his father-in-law "Grandpa Al" Hanks in a recurring role on the 1980s sit-com The Cosby Show.
Williams enjoyed a successful career and worked regularly until his death. He died at age 80, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Joe Williams shares a birthday with Frank Sinatra who was also born Dec. 12, three years before Williams
I don't know why
Joe Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All day long I'm answering, but what good does it do?
I have nothing to explain
I just love you, love you, and I'll tell you once again
I don't know why I love you like I do
I don't know why; I just do
I don't know why you thrill me like you do
You never seem to want my romancing
The only time you hold me is when we're dancing
I don't know why I love you like I do
I don't know why; I just do
You never seem to want my romancing
The only time you hold me is when we're dancing
I don't know why I love you like I do
I don't know why; I just do
In the song "I Don't Know Why" by Joe Williams, the lyrics tell the story of a person who is in love with someone but doesn't understand why. Throughout the day, the person's love interest questions why they are in love with them and the person responds by saying that they have nothing to explain because they just love them. The chorus repeats the sentiment that the person doesn't know why they love their partner, but they just do.
The lyrics also touch on the fact that the person's love interest doesn't seem to want their romantic advances and only shows physical affection when they are dancing. This could suggest that the relationship is not as intimate or emotionally fulfilling as the person would like, but they still can't help being deeply in love with their partner.
Overall, the lyrics convey the complex emotions and lack of logic that can come with being in love. It's a feeling that can't always be explained, but it's powerful enough to keep us coming back for more.
Line by Line Meaning
All day long you're asking me what I see in you
You constantly question what I find attractive about you
All day long I'm answering, but what good does it do?
I provide answers to your insecurities, but it doesn't seem to help
I have nothing to explain
My love for you requires no explanation
I just love you, love you, and I'll tell you once again
I simply adore you and want to remind you of that fact
I don't know why I love you like I do
I can't pinpoint the exact reasons for my deep affection towards you
I don't know why; I just do
My love for you is inexplicable, but it's undeniable
I don't know why you thrill me like you do
I can't explain how you excite and impress and me
I don't know why; you just do
There's no logic to why you thrill me, but you do
You never seem to want my romancing
You don't seem to be interested in my romantic gestures
The only time you hold me is when we're dancing
You only express physical affection towards me when we're dancing
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MIKE DEL FERRO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Nepenthean58
A welcome new performance of one of Thad's greatest arrangements. Interesting to hear Joe referring to some of the things he did on the original recording.
@RafaelHovhannisyanMusic
... REALLY GREAT!
@sallemjazz1
This was recorded at MIDEM in Cannes in 1979. Thad Jones conducted the Claude Bolling Big Band.
@sharynwolf5180
Thank you, Willie Jordan. I have a crush on Joe.
@SD7268
This recording..... (by tapes??? Vynil ???).... it's not in the right key.... It's a pity...
There's not much studio versions on you tube.
But now...I found on Spotify a good version in the right key.
😉😊